Thu Feb 27 15:06:24 UTC 2025: ## India Launches “One Nation, One Port Process” to Streamline Maritime Operations

**Mumbai, India (February 27, 2025)** – India’s Ministry of Shipping, Ports and Waterways launched the “One Nation, One Port Process” initiative Thursday, aiming to standardize and streamline port operations across the country’s major ports. The initiative seeks to eliminate inconsistencies in documentation and processes that contribute to inefficiencies, increased costs, and delays.

Simultaneously, the Ministry unveiled the Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI), called “Sagar Ankalan,” to track efficiency and global competitiveness within the maritime sector for the 2023-24 financial year. These announcements were made by Minister Sarbananda Sonowal at a stakeholder meeting in Mumbai.

Minister Sonowal stated that these measures represent a significant step towards creating standardized, efficient, and globally competitive ports. The goal is to enhance port performance, streamline logistics, reduce inefficiencies, lower carbon footprints, and ultimately strengthen India’s position in global trade.

The “One Nation, One Port Process” has already begun harmonizing procedures, reducing paperwork by 33% for container operations (from 143 to 96 documents) and 29% for bulk cargo (from 150 to 106). The Ministry also highlighted the launch of the Bharat Ports Global Consortium and the MAITRI app (Master Application for International Trade and Regulatory Interface), a key component in operationalizing the Virtual Trade Corridor (VTC) between India and the UAE. MAITRI leverages AI and blockchain technology and is expected to expand to BIMSTEC and ASEAN nations.

The stakeholder meeting also focused on revitalizing India’s shipbuilding sector, with discussions centered on increased financial assistance for shipyards, the Ship Breaking Credit Note Scheme, and capital infusion for new shipbuilding clusters. Further initiatives include the Maritime Development Fund and the inclusion of large ships in the Infrastructure Harmonized Master List (HML). These measures aim to enhance financial accessibility, boost domestic shipbuilding, and improve the industry’s global competitiveness.

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